Powerful gales hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left around 90,000 properties experiencing outages and led agencies to cancel over 100 air travel services, as reported by domestic outlets.
The gales are impacting the whole southern region and southern sections of the North Island, according to the weather forecasting body.
New Zealand authorities have issued uncommon red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones encompassing Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been urged to remain inside, stay off roads, and get ready for more electricity and network failures.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, although authorities state that energy was being slowly brought back.
Regional news have stated that in certain areas homes have lost their roofs, and trees and electricity poles have been brought down by the gusts.
In Wellington, a man was killed after being impacted by a tree branch at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Wellington, a female was pushed toward moving cars on a thoroughfare by a strong gust of wind, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services entering and leaving the metropolis have been suspended as a result of the gusts, whereas some roads and libraries are not operating.
Simultaneously Canterbury officials have declared a emergency situation, to assist emergency management operations.
Work Stoppages During Severe Weather
The wild winds on Thursday occur while numerous of educators, medical professionals and government employees are participating in what has been called a "significant labor action", requesting better pay and working conditions.
Yet the severe conditions has pressured them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings moved indoors or cancelled.
Like conditions are affecting the neighboring country, causing a period of extreme heat to the country's outback.
Agencies have issued flame prohibitions for fear of bushfires.
